His hair did white like silver ribbons show;2
Knots of experience were tied into.3
His head was covered4 all with wisdom’s hat;
Good management the hatband was round5 that.
His garments loose yet manly did appear;6 5
Though time had crumpled them, no spots were there.7
His cloak made of a free and noble mind,
Within8 with generosity was lined.
And gloves of bounty, which his hands did cover,9
Were stitched10 with love, with free hearts trimmed all over.11 10
A sword of valor hung close by his side,
To cut off all base fears and haughty pride.
His boots were honesty, to walk upon,12
And spurs of good desires tied them on.13
Thus he was dressed by Honor and by Time;14 15
The one did give him wit, the other made him fine.15
- In Cavendish’s 1653 text the title of this poem appears as a marginal note (and the text reads “with” Honor, not “by” Honor.
- His hair did white like silver ribbons show;] To Silver Ribbons turn’d was every Haire, 1653
- were tied into.] every one tied there. 1653
- His head was covered] Cover’d his Head was 1653
- management the hatband was round] Managements as Hat-band about 1653
- appear;] they sit, 1653
- were there.] did get. 1653
- Within] And all 1653
- which his hands did cover,] his hands drew on, 1653
- Were stitched] Stich’d 1653; were stich’d 1664, 1668
- with free hearts trimmed all over.] free Hearts were trimm’d upon. 1653
- upon,] or Ride, 1664; or Ride; 1668
- tied them on.] them firmly Ty’d: 1664; them firmly ty’d. 1668
- Thus he was dressed by Honor and by Time;] And thus both Time and Honour did their best; 1664; And thus both Time and Honour did their best: 1668
- The one did give him wit, the other made him fine.] Time gave him Wit, Honour him Finely Drest. 1664; Time gave him Wit; Honour, him finely drest. 1668